Flower Essences, Good Behavior

Natural therapies can support your pet on his or her journey to a balanced emotional state

Behavioral Support Through Flower Essences

There are a variety of natural therapies available that can support your pet on his or her journey to a balanced emotional state. These therapies include, but are not limited to, homeopathic preparations, essential oils, flower essences, herbs, acupuncture/acupressure, t-touch and a number of options available through your veterinarian.

I have had the most experience with Flower Essences and have witnessed positive results over the past 15 + years. I have used them with my own dogs to help with adjustment periods for new dogs, anxiety, thunder phobia and inner pack tension.

What are flower essences?

Flower Essences are unscented, homeopathically-prepared, natural preparations that contain the energy patterns, or “essences”, of various healing flowers. They are capable of subtly “re-tuning” out of balance, extreme emotions in humans and animals. Each essence corresponds to a particular emotion, and over time, works to bring that emotion back in balance.

How They Work

Each flower essence addresses a specific emotional state, and when taken, gently works to bring that emotion back into healthy balance. For instance, there are flower essences that can help your dog become more focused, less fearful, more tolerant and patient with others — the list goes on. Flower essences can be taken individually, or combined into formulas. They work beautifully either as an aid to a behavior modification program, or as a stand-alone approach, for animals who have difficulty in specific situations. They are non-toxic, non-habit-forming, have no negative side effects, and cannot be overdosed.

In the 1930’s, English physician and bacteriologist Dr. Edward Bach discovered, tested, and developed the twenty-eight flower essences we now know as Bach flower essences, or Bach flower remedies. Since that time, these remedies have become recognized and utilized world-wide, benefiting the emotional health and well-being of not only humans, but companion animals and domestic and captive-wild species. In more recent years, research has broadened beyond the British Isles, and hundreds of flower essences from around the globe continue to be developed.

Our little family achieved 9 happy years with our two Corgi boys due to the aid of a great trainer and the help of the Aldaron Essence “Harmony”. We can’t say enough good things about this product!

Seanna M., Nine Mile Falls, WA

“I have been using the HyperDrive spray formula for my very energetic pit bull mix for 2 weeks now, three times a day orally and the results are amazing! Within a few days we noticed he was better able to settle and focus on the training we started last month. This product, coupled with obedience training that he is now able to calm down enough to execute, has without a doubt been essential to his transition from an erratic and sometimes out of control large puppy to an attentive and enjoyable companion. Thanks so much!!!”

Brittany S. , Spokane, WA

Their Range of Behavioral Applications

Many people are familiar with the much-loved and widely available Rescue Remedy, a combination of five flower essences formulated by Dr. Bach himself as an emergency or “rescue” aid. What many people don’t realize is that Bach flower remedies have far more wide-ranging applicability than the renowned stress and trauma relief of Rescue Remedy. The wide range of flower essences can support your dog’s training and behavioral journey in many ways. They are worth considering in the following situations:

• Dogs who do not get along• Dogs who are overly territorial• Dogs who have a short fuse• Dogs who suffer from separation distress• Dogs who are adjusting to changes in routine or household• Dogs who are experiencing grief from the loss of a dog friend or human companion

One Piece of the Puzzle

As a dog trainer that works primarily with dogs who are emotionally challenged and frustrating (to live with), I see first-hand the importance of “treating” the whole dog. With that in mind, it’s important to note that flower essences work best when the needs of the whole dog are met. They should be used in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for:

• Veterinary care – Flower essence formulas are, of course, not a substitute for veterinary care, or necessary prescription medication. Chronic pain, hormonal or other chemical imbalances, irritating skin conditions – these and other health issues can cause changes in personality and reduced ability to handle stress. A thorough veterinary work-up is always advisable when dealing with serious behavior issues.

• Training – As with a child, a dog’s emotional health is also influenced by care and upbringing. Keep in mind that all dogs require thoughtful instruction, guidance, and structure from their human families, as well as a solid relationship based on trust, clear communication, and mutual respect.

• Diet – A nutritious, health-supporting natural diet will not only help your dog feel better, it will also feed his nervous system, and thereby his emotional health.

Where to find these Flower Essences?

The flower essence practitioner I have some to rely on and trust is Julie Cantrell at Aldaron Essences. She was once a trainer, just like me, but now does flowers full time. She has been formulating flower essences for dogs for over 25 years and ships her formulas all over the world.